It was a horrible ordeal and I still cry when I think about it. I don't like to talk about it and this is the first time I have in a long time.

I feel so bad reading all of your posts... I'm not used to owning a very small dog yet, this one is my first. I had 2 of my clients small dogs killed in dog attacks, and I was heart broken for them. I know how terrifying it is to see your own loving pet in danger, I never want to think of myself in that situation again. Once you are both safe, the mental after math can be almost worse. I remember each time replaying it in my head again and again, worrying, and feeling like I failed to protect them, like it was my fault. The foster who attacked my dog was put down, the rescue had me drop her off at the vets, and they dragged her out of the room in front of us to be euthanized. She lived with me for 4 months. I will never forget that, or how scared I was my own dog was going to die. No, I don't talk about that either.
The way I deal with those situations is to try and focus on what needs to be done, and how to try and mentally prepare myself better in the future. I also did start carrying pepper spray. They sell it at P smart for dog attacks. I haven't had to use it since I bought it, but I do feel better knowing I know how to use it and will not hesitate in the future.

I can't add any useful information, I just wanted to say that I'm really sorry you had to go through this. The possibility of this happening really scares me. I'm glad people have posted though because I'm more careful than I think I would have been in these situations. An Alsatian was walking towards me when I was walking Mylo a couple of weeks ago. He was on his own, after a bit I saw the owner come out of a house from across a very big street, call the dog, the dog completely ignored him and he didn't bother shouting it again or coming over. Mylo is already scared of most dogs and will run or yelp and that probably would provoke a dog. I had a bag under my arm and a phone in my hand and had to very quickly try to pick Mylo up even though he wouldn't sit still because he was already retreating from the dog.

Ashley, I'm so sorry to hear that you had to go through that with your poor dog. It's so sad how one incident can impact so many lives so much. I'm so glad you were able to find someone to work with him, it must have been so very sad for you.

Yeah, I would recommend that everyone be cautious when walking their dogs, particularly smaller dogs who aren't able to protect themselves. I mean this dog was only maybe forty or fifty lbs. and I kicked him in the head and the ribs as hard as possible and it didn't even distract him. It took two people to contain him. I'm small myself [5'2"] so I'm going to make sure that my Dad walks with us or I at least have some pepper spray or something like that to defend myself and my dogs. I've seen a lot of episodes on court shows about chi's being attacked but I never thought it would happen to myself or my dogs. So please be cautious [I know I will be extra from now on!]

So sorry this happened. I wanted to make sure that your dog's 'bite' to its tail is healing OK. Bites are notorious about getting infected. Make sure you check it every day for awhile.

Yes, it's healed fine, thanks for asking. We cleaned it right away and called the vet the next day [it happened at night.] Both dogs are up-to-date on their shots [he wears a rabies collar], and I checked it every day and checked with the vet again, too. Since Grace is at the vet all the time anyway [she has a skin condition and allergies that cause recurring skin infections], my cabinet is filled with dog medicine, so luckily we're prepared and have medicine for occasions like this.

WOW I had to check where u were from cause...I have/had a neighbour like yours...and my little chi's were attacked 4 different times by the same neigbours dog...I can tell u my dogs are still terrified of larger dogs and I aways think it cause of being attacked by the neighbours dogs...They have such anxiety when seeing a larger dog...I haven't been able to control it and its been 2 yrs since the neighbours moved ...I hope your neighbour ties up those dogs or puts them in the back yard...my neighbour never did tho...Good Luck tho